Thread: 1975 Series 3 SWB Resto begins

I've had this little beast since 2008, and done jack squat on it.
I've had a couple of series 3's and a couple of Rangie classics in that time, as well as re-kitting out the D2.
I did have it for sale, but got jerked around with that (as you sometimes do). so I've decided to keep it.

Anyway, I've decided to strip her down and do a reasonably complete restoration on her. I should be able to spend a bit more time on it now, though it won't be a quick job, and I have no end date in sight at the minute.

It was originally a 4cyl petrol, and used by Civil Aviation at some stage, running around the airport and in front of planes.
It has a Holden 186 that's been there a while. I may keep this in her, depending on the state of it.
I'd prefer to go a Landy 4cyl, and take it back to original, or go a diesel, but I'm still undecided.

The body & chassis are in great nick.
One dent in the LHS rear quarter panel, a couple of holes in the LHS firewall.
It will definitely need, new brakes all round, clutch overhaul, springs, shocks and bushes, wiper motor and assembly, a few few rubbers and seals.
It's got a leak from the rear wheel, so looks like oil hub seals at a minimum.
Looks like a leaky transfer case as well.
Exhaust is non existent, as I ripped it out yesterday. It was holier than thou, and held on by one bolt at the manifold, and the thinnest coast hanger wire I've seen at the rear.
Wiring is a nightmare, and I think my only option will be a new complete harness.

The last few days I've been able to take the canopy off again, remove most of the front, remove the dash remnants, and instruments, floor and seat box, exhaust, ridiculous dual battery system that was in it, strip out the wiring.
Tub and firewall will be coming off today hopefully, and then it's outside for a degrease, pressure hose and general tidy up.
There's a few inches of dried rustproofing and dust/mud to remove form the chassis as well.
The paintwork is in pretty good condition, so I'm tossing up whether to just tidy it up, or do a complete respray (maybe in a different colour).

Anyway here's some pics, and I plan to keep updating this as I go.
Really looking forward to getting stuck into here now.

As I found her in 2008.
Roofrack is gone, wheels were changed.


Nifty swing away wheel carrier & water tap.


Seat squabs are pretty reasonable and have map pockets on the back of them. Dash is cactus & I'll need a new one.


Once I got her home.
Has a military brush bar attached to the standard bumper, with a couple of rusted on bolts that are getting ground off this afternoon.


as she stands now.


The Holden engine with Rover air cleaner assembly




LHS Firewall with two holes in the corners.






Two fuel tanks - bonus Just remember to fill up when you don't have a passenger.


Exhaust and underneath, a mess of coathangers and dried mud everywhere.




Monroe shocks and some red coloured leaf springs.


Leaky hub, and vintage tyres that will be getting the boot as well.


The negative is that it's under a Queenslander with limited headroom, minimal light, a bit open to the elements, and I'm working on the ground with limited tools.
I have a 12 bay workshop at my disposal, but it's on the other side of town

It's amusing and frustrating how many different size bolts etc., have been used, as well! Also, what people did to series vehicles, thinking they were improving them.

Anyway, enough of that, I better get downstairs and get into it again.

Originally Posted by gromit

They weight a fair amount so I would think the boxing & shipping would add significantly to the cost.
Why not get a replica made in the US ?


Colin

I suspect that if asked nicely there are a number of people here who could supply more pictures, measurement, even detailed drawings. Any competent welding works should be able to duplicate it and get it galvanised.